"The aim is to create a sense of transparency and depth to the building while at the same time, help maintain the thermal qualities required to meet the building’s envelope design," explain the architects.

Last we heard from WS Atkins, the international design firm had designed a massive skyscraper for Dubai with a large windmill built into it (the proposed building was later cancelled). The 62-story Namaste Tower is similarly ambitious, and it will be a new icon for the Mumbai skyline. The new tower will feature a W Hotel, which will include large banquet halls that can be used for weddings, as well as office and retail space.

The podium at the base of the building will feature a large canopy, which will include an array of solar thermal collectors that will have the potential to provide 12 percent of the energy needed to heat the hot water for the hotel.

The tower is composed of two symmetrical masses that are joined together; the space between the two wings forms the corridors. At the end of each corridor, there will be an open atrium providing dramatic views of the city. Those atria will contain lush gardens, bringing some green inside the building. The building will be clad in white Alpolic and glass that will be fritted with large-scale graphics that are meant to resemble henna, creating visual depth to the facade. “The aim is to create a sense of transparency and depth to the building while at the same time, help maintain the thermal qualities required to meet the building’s envelope design,” explain the architects.